Park Center comp cheer concludes season with nationals run

Park Center competitive cheer took part in the 2024 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship last week, continuing their history of competitive seasons in Minnesota and beyond.

The Pirates performed well in the preliminary stage of the small varsity non-tumbling division one game day category, finishing fourth in their group with an event score of 94.1, advancing to the semifinals.

They then finished tied for seventh of 13 spots in the semi-finals for their category, scoring 89.7. Central Bucks East topped the semi-finals with a score of 92.4. The Pirates’ finish was enough to clinch a spot in the finals.

Park Center then finished 10th in the small varsity non-tumbling division one-game day category finals with a score of 89.3. The winner Auburn Mountainview scored 95.8.

In a collective statement representing coaches, Erika Marsh, Sophie Ricci and Malaysia Hammond to the Sun Post following the end of nationals, Marsh and her staff noted the balance of positives and lessons to learn from this season, while looking forward to the future.

“Collectively as a coaching staff, we couldn’t be more proud of this team and season. It was one of the most successful seasons in Park Center Comp Cheer history from winning regionals to winning state for the 3rd year in a row and making it to finals at Nationals,” they stated. “Even though it wasn’t the placement we were hoping for, it is still an incredible accomplishment. This team has raised the bar for future teams and we plan to continue the legacy next season. We aren’t done yet. We can’t wait to see what the 2024-25 season has in store for us, stay tuned.”